Predicted and immediate output torque control architecture for a hybrid powertrain system

ABSTRACT

A method for controlling torque in a hybrid powertrain system to selectively transfer mechanical power to an output member includes monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and to a brake pedal. An immediate accelerator output torque request, a predicted accelerator output torque request, an immediate brake output torque request, a predicted brake output torque request, and an axle torque response type are determined. An output torque command to the output member of the transmission is determined based upon the immediate accelerator output torque request and the immediate brake output torque request.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/984,833 filed on Nov. 2, 2007 which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to control systems for hybrid powertrainsystems.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Known hybrid powertrain architectures include torque-generative devices,including internal combustion engines and electric machines, whichtransfer torque through a transmission device to an output member. Oneexemplary hybrid powertrain includes a two-mode, compound-split,electro-mechanical transmission which utilizes an input member forreceiving tractive torque from a prime mover power source, preferably aninternal combustion engine, and an output member. The output member canbe operatively connected to a driveline for a motor vehicle fortransferring tractive torque thereto. Electric machines, operative asmotors or generators, generate a torque input to the transmission,independently of a torque input from the internal combustion engine. Theelectric machines may transform vehicle kinetic energy, transferredthrough the vehicle driveline, to electrical energy that is storable inan electrical energy storage device. A control system monitors variousinputs from the vehicle and the operator and provides operationalcontrol of the hybrid powertrain, including controlling transmissionoperating state and gear shifting, controlling the torque-generativedevices, and regulating the electrical power interchange among theelectrical energy storage device and the electric machines to manageoutputs of the transmission, including torque and rotational speed.

SUMMARY

A method for controlling torque in a hybrid powertrain system toselectively transfer mechanical power to an output member includesmonitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and to a brake pedal,and determining immediate accelerator output torque request, a predictedaccelerator output torque request, an immediate brake output torquerequest, a predicted brake output torque request, and an axle torqueresponse type. An output torque command to the output member of thetransmission is determined based upon the immediate accelerator outputtorque request and the immediate brake output torque request.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary hybrid powertrain, inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary architecture for a controlsystem and hybrid powertrain, in accordance with the present disclosure;and

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic flow diagrams of a control systemarchitecture for controlling and managing torque in a hybrid powertrainsystem, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for thepurpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplaryelectro-mechanical hybrid powertrain. The exemplary electro-mechanicalhybrid powertrain in accordance with the present disclosure is depictedin FIG. 1, comprising a two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanicalhybrid transmission 10 operatively connected to an engine 14 and firstand second electric machines (‘MG-A’) 56 and (‘MG-B’) 72. The engine 14and first and second electric machines 56 and 72 each generate powerwhich can be transferred to the transmission 10. The power generated bythe engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 andtransferred to the transmission 10 is described in terms of input andmotor torques, referred to herein as T_(I), T_(A), and T_(B)respectively, and speed, referred to herein as N_(I), N_(A), and N_(B),respectively.

The exemplary engine 14 comprises a multi-cylinder internal combustionengine selectively operative in several states to transfer torque to thetransmission 10 via an input shaft 12, and can be either aspark-ignition or a compression-ignition engine. The engine 14 includesa crankshaft (not shown) operatively coupled to the input shaft 12 ofthe transmission 10. A rotational speed sensor 11 monitors rotationalspeed of the input shaft 12. Power output from the engine 14, comprisingrotational speed and engine torque, can differ from the input speedN_(I) and the input torque T_(I) to the transmission 10 due to placementof torque-consuming components on the input shaft 12 between the engine14 and the transmission 10, e.g., a hydraulic pump (not shown) and/or atorque management device (not shown).

The exemplary transmission 10 comprises three planetary-gear sets 24, 26and 28, and four selectively engageable torque-transferring devices,i.e., clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75. As used herein, clutchesrefer to any type of friction torque transfer device including single orcompound plate clutches or packs, band clutches, and brakes, forexample. A hydraulic control circuit 42, preferably controlled by atransmission control module (hereafter ‘TCM’) 17, is operative tocontrol clutch states. Clutches C2 62 and C4 75 preferably comprisehydraulically-applied rotating friction clutches. Clutches C1 70 and C373 preferably comprise hydraulically-controlled stationary devices thatcan be selectively grounded to a transmission case 68. Each of theclutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75 is preferably hydraulicallyapplied, selectively receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid via thehydraulic control circuit 42.

The first and second electric machines 56 and 72 preferably comprisethree-phase AC machines, each including a stator (not shown) and a rotor(not shown), and respective resolvers 80 and 82. The motor stator foreach machine is grounded to an outer portion of the transmission case68, and includes a stator core with coiled electrical windings extendingtherefrom. The rotor for the first electric machine 56 is supported on ahub plate gear that is operatively attached to shaft 60 via the secondplanetary gear set 26. The rotor for the second electric machine 72 isfixedly attached to a sleeve shaft hub 66.

Each of the resolvers 80 and 82 preferably comprises a variablereluctance device including a resolver stator (not shown) and a resolverrotor (not shown). The resolvers 80 and 82 are appropriately positionedand assembled on respective ones of the first and second electricmachines 56 and 72. Stators of respective ones of the resolvers 80 and82 are operatively connected to one of the stators for the first andsecond electric machines 56 and 72. The resolver rotors are operativelyconnected to the rotor for the corresponding first and second electricmachines 56 and 72. Each of the resolvers 80 and 82 is signally andoperatively connected to a transmission power inverter control module(hereafter ‘TPIM’) 19, and each senses and monitors rotational positionof the resolver rotor relative to the resolver stator, thus monitoringrotational position of respective ones of first and second electricmachines 56 and 72. Additionally, the signals output from the resolvers80 and 82 are interpreted to provide the rotational speeds for first andsecond electric machines 56 and 72, i.e., N_(A) and N_(B), respectively.

The transmission 10 includes an output member 64, e.g. a shaft, which isoperably connected to a driveline 90 for a vehicle (not shown), toprovide output power to the driveline 90 that is transferred to vehiclewheels 93, one of which is shown in FIG. 1. The output power at theoutput member 64 is characterized in terms of an output rotational speedN_(O) and an output torque T_(O). A transmission output speed sensor 84monitors rotational speed and rotational direction of the output member64. Each of the vehicle wheels 93 is preferably equipped with a sensor94 adapted to monitor wheel speed, V_(SS-WHL), the output of which ismonitored by a control module of a distributed control module systemdescribed with respect to FIG. 2, to determine vehicle speed, andabsolute and relative wheel speeds for braking control, tractioncontrol, and vehicle acceleration management.

The input torque from the engine 14 and the motor torques from the firstand second electric machines 56 and 72 (T_(I), T_(A), and T_(B)respectively) are generated as a result of energy conversion from fuelor electrical potential stored in an electrical energy storage device(hereafter ‘ESD’) 74. The ESD 74 is high voltage DC-coupled to the TPIM19 via DC transfer conductors 27. The transfer conductors 27 include acontactor switch 38. When the contactor switch 38 is closed, undernormal operation, electric current can flow between the ESD 74 and theTPIM 19. When the contactor switch 38 is opened electric current flowbetween the ESD 74 and the TPIM 19 is interrupted. The TPIM 19 transmitselectrical power to and from the first electric machine 56 by transferconductors 29, and the TPIM 19 similarly transmits electrical power toand from the second electric machine 72 by transfer conductors 31 tomeet the torque commands for the first and second electric machines 56and 72 in response to the motor torques T_(A) and T_(B). Electricalcurrent is transmitted to and from the ESD 74 in accordance with whetherthe ESD 74 is being charged or discharged.

The TPIM 19 includes the pair of power inverters (not shown) andrespective motor control modules (not shown) configured to receive thetorque commands and control inverter states therefrom for providingmotor drive or regeneration functionality to meet the commanded motortorques T_(A) and T_(B). The power inverters comprise knowncomplementary three-phase power electronics devices, and each includes aplurality of insulated gate bipolar transistors (not shown) forconverting DC power from the ESD 74 to AC power for powering respectiveones of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72, by switchingat high frequencies. The insulated gate bipolar transistors form aswitch mode power supply configured to receive control commands. Thereis typically one pair of insulated gate bipolar transistors for eachphase of each of the three-phase electric machines. States of theinsulated gate bipolar transistors are controlled to provide motor drivemechanical power generation or electric power regenerationfunctionality. The three-phase inverters receive or supply DC electricpower via DC transfer conductors 27 and transform it to or fromthree-phase AC power, which is conducted to or from the first and secondelectric machines 56 and 72 for operation as motors or generators viatransfer conductors 29 and 31 respectively.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the distributed control modulesystem. The elements described hereinafter comprise a subset of anoverall vehicle control architecture, and provide coordinated systemcontrol of the exemplary hybrid powertrain described in FIG. 1. Thedistributed control module system synthesizes pertinent information andinputs, and executes algorithms to control various actuators to meetcontrol objectives, including objectives related to fuel economy,emissions, performance, drivability, and protection of hardware,including batteries of ESD 74 and the first and second electric machines56 and 72. The distributed control module system includes an enginecontrol module (hereafter ‘ECM’) 23, the TCM 17, a battery pack controlmodule (hereafter ‘BPCM’) 21, and the TPIM 19. A hybrid control module(hereafter ‘HCP’) 5 provides supervisory control and coordination of theECM 23, the TCM 17, the BPCM 21, and the TPIM 19. A user interface(‘UI’) 13 is operatively connected to a plurality of devices throughwhich a vehicle operator controls or directs operation of theelectro-mechanical hybrid powertrain. The devices include an acceleratorpedal 113 (‘AP’), an operator brake pedal 112 (‘BP’), a transmissiongear selector 114 (‘PRNDL’), and a vehicle speed cruise control (notshown). The transmission gear selector 114 may have a discrete number ofoperator-selectable positions, including the rotational direction of theoutput member 64 to enable one of a forward and a reverse direction.

The aforementioned control modules communicate with other controlmodules, sensors, and actuators via a local area network (hereafter‘LAN’) bus 6. The LAN bus 6 allows for structured communication ofstates of operating parameters and actuator command signals between thevarious control modules. The specific communication protocol utilized isapplication-specific. The LAN bus 6 and appropriate protocols providefor robust messaging and multi-control module interfacing between theaforementioned control modules, and other control modules providingfunctionality including e.g., antilock braking, traction control, andvehicle stability. Multiple communications buses may be used to improvecommunications speed and provide some level of signal redundancy andintegrity. Communication between individual control modules can also beeffected using a direct link, e.g., a serial peripheral interface(‘SPI’) bus (not shown).

The HCP 5 provides supervisory control of the hybrid powertrain, servingto coordinate operation of the ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, and BPCM 21.Based upon various input signals from the user interface 13 and thehybrid powertrain, including the ESD 74, the HCP 5 determines anoperator torque request, an output torque command, an engine inputtorque command, clutch torque(s) for the applied torque-transferclutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, C4 75 of the transmission 10, and themotor torques T_(A) and T_(B) for the first and second electric machines56 and 72. The TCM 17 is operatively connected to the hydraulic controlcircuit 42 and provides various functions including monitoring variouspressure sensing devices (not shown) and generating and communicatingcontrol signals to various solenoids (not shown) thereby controllingpressure switches and control valves contained within the hydrauliccontrol circuit 42.

The ECM 23 is operatively connected to the engine 14, and functions toacquire data from sensors and control actuators of the engine 14 over aplurality of discrete lines, shown for simplicity as an aggregatebi-directional interface cable 35. The ECM 23 receives the engine inputtorque command from the HCP 5. The ECM 23 determines the actual engineinput torque, T_(I), provided to the transmission 10 at that point intime based upon monitored engine speed and load, which is communicatedto the HCP 5. The ECM 23 monitors input from the rotational speed sensor11 to determine the engine input speed to the input shaft 12, whichtranslates to the transmission input speed, N_(I). The ECM 23 monitorsinputs from sensors (not shown) to determine states of other engineoperating parameters including, e.g., a manifold pressure, enginecoolant temperature, ambient air temperature, and ambient pressure. Theengine load can be determined, for example, from the manifold pressure,or alternatively, from monitoring operator input to the acceleratorpedal 113. The ECM 23 generates and communicates command signals tocontrol engine actuators, including, e.g., fuel injectors, ignitionmodules, and throttle control modules, none of which are shown.

The TCM 17 is operatively connected to the transmission 10 and monitorsinputs from sensors (not shown) to determine states of transmissionoperating parameters. The TCM 17 generates and communicates commandsignals to control the transmission 10, including controlling thehydraulic control circuit 42. Inputs from the TCM 17 to the HCP 5include estimated clutch torques for each of the clutches, i.e., C1 70,C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75, and rotational output speed, N_(O), of theoutput member 64. Other actuators and sensors may be used to provideadditional information from the TCM 17 to the HCP 5 for controlpurposes. The TCM 17 monitors inputs from pressure switches (not shown)and selectively actuates pressure control solenoids (not shown) andshift solenoids (not shown) of the hydraulic control circuit 42 toselectively actuate the various clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75to achieve various transmission operating range states, as describedhereinbelow.

The BPCM 21 is signally connected to sensors (not shown) to monitor theESD 74, including states of electrical current and voltage parameters,to provide information indicative of parametric states of the batteriesof the ESD 74 to the HCP 5. The parametric states of the batteriespreferably include battery state-of-charge, battery voltage, batterytemperature, and available battery power, referred to as a range P_(BAT)_(—) _(MIN) to P_(BAT) _(—) _(MAX).

A brake control module (hereafter ‘BrCM’) 22 is operatively connected tofriction brakes (not shown) on each of the vehicle wheels 93. The BrCM22 monitors the operator input to the brake pedal 112 and generatescontrol signals to control the friction brakes and sends a controlsignal to the HCP 5 to operate the first and second electric machines 56and 72 based thereon.

Each of the control modules ECM 23, TCM 17, TPIM 19, BPCM 21, and BrCM22 is preferably a general-purpose digital computer comprising amicroprocessor or central processing unit, storage mediums comprisingread only memory (‘ROM’), random access memory (‘RAM’), electricallyprogrammable read only memory (‘EPROM’), a high speed clock, analog todigital (‘A/D’) and digital to analog (‘D/A’) circuitry, andinput/output circuitry and devices (‘I/O’) and appropriate signalconditioning and buffer circuitry. Each of the control modules has a setof control algorithms, comprising resident program instructions andcalibrations stored in one of the storage mediums and executed toprovide the respective functions of each computer. Information transferbetween the control modules is preferably accomplished using the LAN bus6 and SPI buses. The control algorithms are executed during preset loopcycles such that each algorithm is executed at least once each loopcycle. Algorithms stored in the non-volatile memory devices are executedby one of the central processing units to monitor inputs from thesensing devices and execute control and diagnostic routines to controloperation of the actuators, using preset calibrations. Loop cycles areexecuted at regular intervals, for example each 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25and 100 milliseconds during ongoing operation of the hybrid powertrain.Alternatively, algorithms may be executed in response to the occurrenceof an event.

The exemplary hybrid powertrain selectively operates in one of severaloperating range states that can be described in terms of an engine statecomprising one of an engine-on state (‘ON’) and an engine-off state(‘OFF’), and a transmission state comprising a plurality of fixed gearsand continuously variable operating modes, described with reference toTable 1, below.

TABLE 1 Engine Transmission Operating Applied Description State RangeState Clutches M1_Eng_Off OFF EVT Mode 1 C1 70 M1_Eng_On ON EVT Mode 1C1 70 G1 ON Fixed Gear Ratio 1 C1 70 C4 75 G2 ON Fixed Gear Ratio 2 C170 C2 62 M2_Eng_Off OFF EVT Mode 2 C2 62 M2_Eng_On ON EVT Mode 2 C2 62G3 ON Fixed Gear Ratio 3 C2 62 C4 75 G4 ON Fixed Gear Ratio 4 C2 62 C373

Each of the transmission operating range states is described in thetable and indicates which of the specific clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73,and C4 75 are applied for each of the operating range states. A firstcontinuously variable mode, i.e., EVT Mode 1, or M1, is selected byapplying clutch C1 70 only in order to “ground” the outer gear member ofthe third planetary gear set 28. The engine state can be one of ON(‘M1_Eng_On’) or OFF (‘M1_Eng_Off’). A second continuously variablemode, i.e., EVT Mode 2, or M2, is selected by applying clutch C2 62 onlyto connect the shaft 60 to the carrier of the third planetary gear set28. The engine state can be one of ON (‘M2_Eng_On’) or OFF(‘M2_Eng_Off’). For purposes of this description, when the engine stateis OFF, the engine input speed is equal to zero revolutions per minute(‘RPM’), i.e., the engine crankshaft is not rotating. A fixed gearoperation provides a fixed ratio operation of input-to-output speed ofthe transmission 10, i.e., N_(I)/N_(O). A first fixed gear operation(‘G1’) is selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C4 75. A second fixedgear operation (‘G2’) is selected by applying clutches C1 70 and C2 62.A third fixed gear operation (‘G3’) is selected by applying clutches C262 and C4 75. A fourth fixed gear operation (‘G4’) is selected byapplying clutches C2 62 and C3 73. The fixed ratio operation ofinput-to-output speed increases with increased fixed gear operation dueto decreased gear ratios in the planetary gears 24, 26, and 28. Therotational speeds of the first and second electric machines 56 and 72,N_(A) and N_(B) respectively, are dependent on internal rotation of themechanism as defined by the clutching and are proportional to the inputspeed measured at the input shaft 12.

In response to operator input via the accelerator pedal 113 and brakepedal 112 as captured by the user interface 13, the HCP 5 and one ormore of the other control modules determine torque commands to controlthe torque generative devices comprising the engine 14 and first andsecond electric machines 56 and 72 to meet the operator torque requestat the output member 64 and transferred to the driveline 90. Based uponinput signals from the user interface 13 and the hybrid powertrainincluding the ESD 74, the HCP 5 determines the operator torque request,a commanded output torque from the transmission 10 to the driveline 90,an input torque from the engine 14, clutch torques for thetorque-transfer clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, C4 75 of the transmission10; and the motor torques for the first and second electric machines 56and 72, respectively, as is described hereinbelow.

Final vehicle acceleration can be affected by other factors including,e.g., road load, road grade, and vehicle mass. The operating range stateis determined for the transmission 10 based upon a variety of operatingcharacteristics of the hybrid powertrain. This includes the operatortorque request communicated through the accelerator pedal 113 and brakepedal 112 to the user interface 13 as previously described. Theoperating range state may be predicated on a hybrid powertrain torquedemand caused by a command to operate the first and second electricmachines 56 and 72 in an electrical energy generating mode or in atorque generating mode. The operating range state can be determined byan optimization algorithm or routine which determines optimum systemefficiency based upon operator demand for power, battery state ofcharge, and energy efficiencies of the engine 14 and the first andsecond electric machines 56 and 72. The control system manages torqueinputs from the engine 14 and the first and second electric machines 56and 72 based upon an outcome of the executed optimization routine, andsystem efficiencies are optimized thereby, to manage fuel economy andbattery charging. Furthermore, operation can be determined based upon afault in a component or system. The HCP 5 monitors the torque-generativedevices, and determines the power output from the transmission 10required in response to the desired output torque at output member 64 tomeet the operator torque request. As should be apparent from thedescription above, the ESD 74 and the first and second electric machines56 and 72 are electrically-operatively coupled for power flowtherebetween. Furthermore, the engine 14, the first and second electricmachines 56 and 72, and the electro-mechanical transmission 10 aremechanically-operatively coupled to transfer power therebetween togenerate a power flow to the output member 64.

FIG. 3 shows a control system architecture for controlling and managingtorque and power flow in a powertrain system having multiple torquegenerative devices, described hereinbelow with reference to the hybridpowertrain system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and residing in theaforementioned control modules in the form of executable algorithms andcalibrations. The control system architecture can be applied to anypowertrain system having multiple torque generative devices, including,e.g., a hybrid powertrain system having a single electric machine, ahybrid powertrain system having multiple electric machines, andnon-hybrid powertrain systems.

The control system architecture of FIG. 3 depicts a flow of pertinentsignals through the control modules. In operation, the operator inputsto the accelerator pedal 113 and the brake pedal 112 are monitored todetermine the operator torque request (‘To_req’). Operation of theengine 14 and the transmission 10 are monitored to determine the inputspeed (‘Ni’) and the output speed (‘No’). A strategic optimizationcontrol scheme (‘Strategic Control’) 310 determines a preferred inputspeed (‘Ni_Des’) and a preferred engine state and transmission operatingrange state (‘Hybrid Range State Des’) based upon the output speed andthe operator torque request, and optimized based upon other operatingparameters of the hybrid powertrain, including battery power limits andresponse limits of the engine 14, the transmission 10, and the first andsecond electric machines 56 and 72. The strategic optimization controlscheme 310 is preferably executed by the HCP 5 during each 100 ms loopcycle and each 25 ms loop cycle.

The outputs of the strategic optimization control scheme 310 are used ina shift execution and engine start/stop control scheme (‘Shift Executionand Engine Start/Stop’) 320 to command changes in the transmissionoperation (‘Transmission Commands’) including changing the operatingrange state. This includes commanding execution of a change in theoperating range state if the preferred operating range state isdifferent from the present operating range state by commanding changesin application of one or more of the clutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, andC4 75 and other transmission commands. The present operating range state(‘Hybrid Range State Actual’) and an input speed profile (‘Ni_Prof’) canbe determined. The input speed profile is an estimate of an upcominginput speed and preferably comprises a scalar parametric value that is atargeted input speed for the forthcoming loop cycle. The engineoperating commands and the operator torque request are based upon theinput speed profile during a transition in the operating range state ofthe transmission.

A tactical control scheme (‘Tactical Control and Operation’) 330 isrepeatedly executed during one of the control loop cycles to determineengine commands (‘Engine Commands’) for operating the engine, includinga preferred input torque from the engine 14 to the transmission 10 basedupon the output speed, the input speed, and the operator torque requestand the present operating range state for the transmission. The enginecommands also include engine states including one of an all-cylinderoperating state and a cylinder deactivation operating state wherein aportion of the engine cylinders are deactivated and unfueled, and enginestates including one of a fueled state and a fuel cutoff state.

A clutch torque (‘Tcl’) for each clutch is estimated in the TCM 17,including the presently applied clutches and the non-applied clutches,and a present engine input torque (‘Ti’) reacting with the input member12 is determined in the ECM 23. A motor torque control scheme (‘Outputand Motor Torque Determination’) 340 is executed to determine thepreferred output torque from the powertrain (‘To_cmd’), which includesmotor torque commands (‘T_(A)’, ‘T_(B)’) for controlling the first andsecond electric machines 56 and 72 in this embodiment. The preferredoutput torque is based upon the estimated clutch torque(s) for each ofthe clutches, the present input torque from the engine 14, the presentoperating range state, the input speed, the operator torque request, andthe input speed profile. The first and second electric machines 56 and72 are controlled through the TPIM 19 to meet the preferred motor torquecommands based upon the preferred output torque. The motor torquecontrol scheme 340 includes algorithmic code which is regularly executedduring the 6.25 ms and 12.5 ms loop cycles to determine the preferredmotor torque commands.

FIG. 4 details the system for controlling and managing the output torquein the hybrid powertrain system, described with reference to the hybridpowertrain system of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the control system architectureof FIG. 3. The hybrid powertrain is controlled to transfer the outputtorque to the output member 64 and thence to the driveline 90 togenerate tractive torque at wheel(s) 93 to forwardly propel the vehiclein response to the operator input to the accelerator pedal 113 when theoperator selected position of the transmission gear selector 114commands operation of the vehicle in the forward direction. Preferably,forwardly propelling the vehicle results in vehicle forward accelerationso long as the output torque is sufficient to overcome external loads onthe vehicle, e.g., due to road grade, aerodynamic loads, and otherloads.

The BrCM 22 commands the friction brakes on the wheels 93 to applybraking force and generates a command for the transmission 10 to createa negative output torque which reacts with the driveline 90 in responseto a net operator input to the brake pedal 112 and the accelerator pedal113. Preferably the applied braking force and the negative output torquecan decelerate and stop the vehicle so long as they are sufficient toovercome vehicle kinetic power at wheel(s) 93. The negative outputtorque reacts with the driveline 90, thus transferring torque to theelectro-mechanical transmission 10 and the engine 14. The negativeoutput torque reacted through the electro-mechanical transmission 10 canbe transferred to the first and second electric machines 56 and 72 togenerate electric power for storage in the ESD 74.

The operator inputs to the accelerator pedal 113 and the brake pedal 112comprise individually determinable operator torque request inputsincluding an immediate accelerator output torque request (‘Output TorqueRequest Accel Immed’), a predicted accelerator output torque request(‘Output Torque Request Accel Prdtd’), an immediate brake output torquerequest (‘Output Torque Request Brake Immed’), a predicted brake outputtorque request (‘Output Torque Request Brake Prdtd’) and an axle torqueresponse type (‘Axle Torque Response Type’). As used herein, the term‘accelerator’ refers to an operator request for forward propulsionpreferably resulting in increasing vehicle speed over the presentvehicle speed, when the operator selected position of the transmissiongear selector 114 commands operation of the vehicle in the forwarddirection. The terms ‘deceleration’ and ‘brake’ refer to an operatorrequest preferably resulting in decreasing vehicle speed from thepresent vehicle speed. The immediate accelerator output torque request,the predicted accelerator output torque request, the immediate brakeoutput torque request, the predicted brake output torque request, andthe axle torque response type are individual inputs to the controlsystem shown in FIG. 4.

The immediate accelerator output torque request is determined based upona presently occurring operator input to the accelerator pedal 113, andcomprises a request to generate an immediate output torque at the outputmember 64 preferably to accelerate the vehicle. The immediateaccelerator output torque request is unshaped, but can be shaped byevents that affect vehicle operation outside the powertrain control.Such events include vehicle level interruptions in the powertraincontrol for antilock braking, traction control and vehicle stabilitycontrol, which can be used to unshape or rate-limit the immediateaccelerator output torque request.

The predicted accelerator output torque request is determined based uponthe operator input to the accelerator pedal 113 and comprises an optimumor preferred output torque at the output member 64. The predictedaccelerator output torque request is preferably equal to the immediateaccelerator output torque request during normal operating conditions,e.g., when any one of antilock braking, traction control, or vehiclestability is not being commanded. When any one of antilock braking,traction control or vehicle stability is being commanded the predictedaccelerator output torque request remains the preferred output torquewith the immediate accelerator output torque request being decreased inresponse to output torque commands related to the antilock braking,traction control, or vehicle stability control.

Blended brake torque includes a combination of the friction brakingtorque generated at the wheels 93 and the output torque generated at theoutput member 64 which reacts with the driveline 90 to decelerate thevehicle in response to the operator input to the brake pedal 112.

The immediate brake output torque request is determined based upon apresently occurring operator input to the brake pedal 112, and comprisesa request to generate an immediate output torque at the output member 64to effect a reactive torque with the driveline 90 which preferablydecelerates the vehicle. The immediate brake output torque request isdetermined based upon the operator input to the brake pedal 112 and thecontrol signal to control the friction brakes to generate frictionbraking torque.

The predicted brake output torque request comprises an optimum orpreferred brake output torque at the output member 64 in response to anoperator input to the brake pedal 112 subject to a maximum brake outputtorque generated at the output member 64 allowable regardless of theoperator input to the brake pedal 112. In one embodiment the maximumbrake output torque generated at the output member 64 is limited to −0.2g. The predicted brake output torque request can be phased out to zerowhen vehicle speed approaches zero regardless of the operator input tothe brake pedal 112. As desired by a user, there can be operatingconditions under which the predicted brake output torque request is setto zero, e.g., when the operator setting to the transmission gearselector 114 is set to a reverse gear, and when a transfer case (notshown) is set to a four-wheel drive low range. The operating conditionswhereat the predicted brake output torque request is set to zero arethose in which blended braking is not preferred due to vehicle operatingfactors.

The axle torque response type comprises an input state for shaping andrate-limiting the output torque response through the first and secondelectric machines 56 and 72. The input state for the axle torqueresponse type can be an active state, preferably comprising one of apleasability limited state a maximum range state, and an inactive state.When the commanded axle torque response type is the active state, theoutput torque command is the immediate output torque. Preferably thetorque response for this response type is as fast as possible.

The predicted accelerator output torque request and the predicted brakeoutput torque request are input to the strategic optimization controlscheme (‘Strategic Control’) 310. The strategic optimization controlscheme 310 determines a desired operating range state for thetransmission 10 (‘Hybrid Range State Des’) and a desired input speedfrom the engine 14 to the transmission 10 (‘Ni Des’), which compriseinputs to the shift execution and engine operating state control scheme(‘Shift Execution and Engine Start/Stop’) 320.

A change in the input torque from the engine 14 which reacts with theinput member from the transmission 10 can be effected by changing massof intake air to the engine 14 by controlling position of an enginethrottle utilizing an electronic throttle control system (not shown),including opening the engine throttle to increase engine torque andclosing the engine throttle to decrease engine torque. Changes in theinput torque from the engine 14 can be effected by adjusting ignitiontiming, including retarding spark timing from a mean-best-torque sparktiming to decrease engine torque. The engine state can be changedbetween the engine-off state and the engine-on state to effect a changein the input torque. The engine state can be changed between theall-cylinder operating state and the cylinder deactivation operatingstate, wherein a portion of the engine cylinders are unfueled. Theengine state can be changed by selectively operating the engine 14 inone of the fueled state and the fuel cutoff state wherein the engine isrotating and unfueled. Executing a shift in the transmission 10 from afirst operating range state to a second operating range state can becommanded and achieved by selectively applying and deactivating theclutches C1 70, C2 62, C3 73, and C4 75.

The immediate accelerator output torque request, the predictedaccelerator output torque request, the immediate brake output torquerequest, the predicted brake output torque request, and the axle torqueresponse type are inputs to the tactical control and operation scheme330 to determine the engine command comprising the preferred inputtorque to the engine 14.

The tactical control and operation scheme 330 can be divided into twoparts. This includes determining a desired engine torque, and thereforea power split between the engine 14 and the first and second electricmachines 56 and 72, and controlling the engine states and operation ofthe engine 14 to meet the desired engine torque. The engine statesinclude the all-cylinder state and the cylinder deactivation state, anda fueled state and a deceleration fuel cutoff state for the presentoperating range state and the present engine speed, and the engine-offstate and the engine-on state. The tactical control and operation scheme330 monitors the predicted accelerator output torque request and thepredicted brake output torque request to determine the predicted inputtorque request. The immediate accelerator output torque request and theimmediate brake output torque request are used to control the enginespeed/load operating point to respond to operator inputs to theaccelerator pedal 113 and the brake pedal 112, e.g., to determine theengine command comprising the preferred input torque to the engine 14.Preferably, a rapid change in the preferred input torque to the engine14 occurs only when the first and second electric machines 56 and 72cannot meet the operator torque request.

The immediate accelerator output torque request, the immediate brakeoutput torque request, and the axle torque response type are input tothe motor torque control scheme (‘Output and Motor TorqueDetermination’) 340. The motor torque control scheme 340 executes todetermine the motor torque commands during each iteration of one of theloop cycles, preferably the 6.25 ms loop cycle.

The present input torque (‘Ti’) from the engine 14 and the estimatedapplied clutch torque(s) (‘Tcl’) are input to the motor torque controlscheme 340. The axle torque response type signal determines the torqueresponse characteristics of the output torque command delivered to theoutput member 64 and hence to the driveline 90.

The motor torque control scheme 340 controls motor torque commands ofthe first and second electric machines 56 and 72 to transfer a netcommanded output torque to the output member 64 of the transmission 10that meets the operator torque request.

It is understood that modifications are allowable within the scope ofthe disclosure. The disclosure has been described with specificreference to the preferred embodiments and modifications thereto.Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon readingand understanding the specification. It is intended to include all suchmodifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope ofthe disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Method for controlling a powertrain systemincluding an engine and first and second electric machines mechanicallycoupled to an electro-mechanical transmission to transfer power to anoutput member, comprising: monitoring operator inputs to an acceleratorpedal and to a brake pedal; determining an immediate accelerator outputtorque request, a predicted accelerator output torque request, animmediate brake output torque request, a predicted brake output torquerequest, and an axle torque response type based upon the operator inputsto the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal; controlling engine statesand an engine speed to transfer a desired input torque from the engineto the electro-mechanical transmission based on the immediateaccelerator output torque request and the immediate brake output torquerequest, the desired input torque from the engine determined based onthe predicted accelerator output torque request and the predicted brakeoutput torque request; determining an output torque command forcontrolling the first and second electric machines based upon theimmediate accelerator output torque request, the immediate brake outputtorque request and the axle torque response type; and controlling thefirst and second electric machines to transfer an output torque to theoutput member based upon the output torque command.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the engine states comprise one of an all-cylinderoperating state wherein all the engine cylinders are fueled, an unfueledoperating state wherein all the engine cylinders are unfueled and acylinder deactivation operating state wherein a portion of the enginecylinders are deactivated and unfueled.
 3. The method of claim 1,comprising determining the immediate accelerator output torque requestbased upon a presently occurring operator input to the acceleratorpedal.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predicted acceleratoroutput torque request comprises a preferred output torque at the outputmember to effect acceleration.
 5. The method of claim 1, comprisingdetermining the immediate brake output torque request based upon apresently occurring operator input to the brake pedal and a frictionbraking torque.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the immediate brakeoutput torque request comprises the output torque to the output membertransferred to a driveline to effect deceleration.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the predicted brake output torque request comprises apreferred output torque at the output member during deceleration.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the axle torque response type comprises oneof an inactive state and an active state.
 9. Method for controlling apowertrain system including an engine and an electric machinemechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission to transferpower to an output member, comprising: monitoring operator inputs to anaccelerator pedal and to a brake pedal; determining an immediateaccelerator output torque request, a predicted accelerator output torquerequest, an immediate brake output torque request, a predicted brakeoutput torque request and an axle torque response type based upon theoperator inputs to the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal;controlling engine states and an engine speed to transfer a desiredinput torque from the engine to the electro-mechanical transmissionbased on the immediate accelerator output torque request and theimmediate brake output torque request, the desired input torque from theengine determined based on the predicted accelerator output torquerequest and the predicted brake output torque request; determining anoutput torque command for controlling the electric machine based uponthe immediate accelerator output torque request, the immediate brakeoutput torque request and the axle torque response type; and controllingthe electric machine to transfer an output torque to the output memberbased upon the output torque command.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe engine states comprise one of an all-cylinder operating statewherein all the engine cylinders are fueled, an unfueled operating statewherein all the engine cylinders are unfueled and a cylinderdeactivation operating state wherein a portion of the engine cylindersare deactivated and unfueled.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising determining the immediate accelerator output torque requestbased upon a presently occurring operator input to the acceleratorpedal.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the predicted acceleratoroutput torque request comprises a preferred output torque at the outputmember during acceleration.
 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising determining the immediate brake output torque request basedupon a presently occurring operator input to the brake pedal and afriction braking torque.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein thepredicted brake output torque request comprises a preferred outputtorque at the output member during deceleration.
 15. The method of claim9, further comprising the axle torque response type comprising one of aninactive state and an active state.
 16. A method for operating apowertrain system including an engine and a plurality of electricmachines mechanically coupled to a transmission operative in one of aplurality of operating range states to transfer power to an outputmember, comprising: monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedaland to a brake pedal; monitoring operation of the engine, transmission,and the electric machines; determining an immediate accelerator outputtorque request, a predicted accelerator output torque request, animmediate brake output torque request, a predicted brake output torquerequest and an axle torque response type based upon the operator inputsto the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal; controlling engine statesand an engine speed to transfer a desired power from the engine to theelectro-mechanical transmission based on the immediate acceleratoroutput torque request and the immediate brake output torque request, thedesired power from the engine determined based on the predictedaccelerator output torque request and the predicted brake output torquerequest; determining an output torque command for controlling theelectric machines based upon the immediate accelerator output torquerequest, the immediate brake output torque request and the axle torqueresponse type.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the engine statescomprise one of an all-cylinder operating state wherein all the enginecylinders are fueled, an unfueled operating state wherein all the enginecylinders are unfueled and a cylinder deactivation operating statewherein a portion of the engine cylinders are deactivated and unfueled.18. The method of claim 16, further comprising controlling the electricmachines to transfer power to the transmission to the output memberbased upon the output torque command.